MG Tom Garrett’s achievements during an exemplary career as a Soldier and Army aviator are far reaching as he distinguished himself, the Army and Army Aviation with exceptional meritorious service.

This warrior/leader/mentor made tremendous contributions to the advancement of Army Aviation and equally, and perhaps even more importantly, to the critical early and mid-career development of subordinates, many whom went on to distinguished and high profile careers within the Army and Aviation Branch to include two former vice chiefs of staff, an aviation branch chief, other general officers and a number of aviation hall of famers.

This highly decorated combat veteran served in Vietnam and later, Desert Shield/Storm where he commanded, trained and led the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Aviation Brigade, the largest Army Aviation rotary wing task force in conventional land warfare history.

The preparation, execution and results of that blitzing 100-hour war in the harshest of flying environments against the 4th largest Army (former) in the world are documented and well known.

His masterful understanding of Army Aviation capabilities and ability to plan for and execute their optimum use was decisive.

His brigade unleashed overwhelming force at multiple points on a vast battlefield conducting reconnaissance, attack and assault, simultaneously and relentlessly. These operations serve as a textbook for planning and flawless battlefield execution.

He validated and advanced Army Aviation’s body of knowledge in conventional warfare and has left an indelible mark on Army Aviation and its future leaders.